Jason Collins, First Active N.B.A. Player to Come Out as Gay, Dies at 47

The sports world is in mourning following the news that Jason Collins, the veteran center who made history as the first active male athlete in the four major North American professional sports leagues to come out as gay, has passed away at the age of 47. His family confirmed on Tuesday that Collins died peacefully at his home following a courageous and hard-fought battle with stage 4 glioblastoma, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. Known for his defensive prowess on the court and his monumental courage off of it, Collins leaves behind a legacy that fundamentally changed the landscape of professional sports, fostering a more inclusive environment for future generations of athletes.

Jason Collins died on May 12, 2026, at age 47, after an eight-month battle with stage 4 glioblastoma. A 13-year NBA veteran, he famously came out in 2013, becoming a global pioneer for LGBTQ+ inclusion in major professional sports. He is survived by his husband Brunson Green, his parents, and his twin brother Jarron Collins.

The Battle with Glioblastoma

In November 2025, Jason Collins shared the devastating news of his diagnosis with the public. Stage 4 glioblastoma is a terminal condition with an extremely low survival rate, often described as one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Collins revealed that he initially noticed symptoms when he struggled to stay focused enough to pack for a trip to the US Open. Doctors initially gave him a prognosis of only a few weeks to several months without intervention. Determined to fight, Collins explored every possible option, including traveling to Singapore to undergo experimental treatments not yet available in the United States. While these treatments provided a brief period of improvement, allowing him to attend events like the NBA All-Star Weekend, the cancer ultimately returned with a rapid progression that led to his passing.

A Trailblazing Moment in Sports History

On April 29, 2013, Jason Collins changed the world of sports forever. In a first-person essay for Sports Illustrated, he began with the powerful words: I am a 34-year-old NBA center. I am Black. And I am gay. At the time, no active male athlete in the NBA, NFL, MLB, or NHL had ever publicly come out. His decision was met with a tidal wave of support from fellow players like Kobe Bryant, league officials, and even the White House. Collins chose to wear jersey number 98 as a tribute to Matthew Shepard, the gay college student murdered in Wyoming in 1998, further signaling his commitment to the cause of equality and remembrance.

A Distinguished 13-Year NBA Career

Before becoming a household name for his activism, Collins was respected across the league as a quintessential professional. Drafted 18th overall in 2001 by the Houston Rockets and traded to the New Jersey Nets on draft night, he quickly became a staple of a winning culture. Over his 13 seasons, he played for the Nets, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Hawks, Celtics, Wizards, and finally the Brooklyn Nets. While his per-game statistics of 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds were modest, advanced analytics frequently highlighted his immense value as a defensive anchor. He helped lead the New Jersey Nets to back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003, earning a reputation as a leader who executed defensive strategies with precision.

Impact Beyond the Basketball Court

Following his retirement in 2014, Collins did not step away from the spotlight; instead, he used it to illuminate the path for others. He served as an NBA Cares Ambassador and was a frequent speaker on LGBTQ+ inclusion. Under the Obama administration, he served on the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. His influence was recognized globally, leading to his inclusion in TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2014. Just one week before his death, he was honored with the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award at the Green Sports Alliance Summit, an award accepted on his behalf by his twin brother, Jarron.

Category	Details
Full Name	Jason Paul Collins
NBA Tenure	2001–2014 (13 Seasons)
Primary Teams	New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics
College	Stanford University
Major Milestone	First active out gay male in major U.S. pro sports (2013)
Cause of Death	Stage 4 Glioblastoma

The Support System: Family and Husband

Throughout his life and his final illness, Jason was supported by a close-knit family. He shared a unique bond with his twin brother, Jarron Collins, who also played in the NBA and later became a successful coach. Jason is also survived by his husband, film producer Brunson Green. The couple had been in a relationship since 2014 and were married in May 2025, just months before his diagnosis. His family's statement emphasized that Jason was an inspiration to all who knew him, noting that he changed lives in unexpected ways through his kindness and humanity.

Tributes from the NBA and Beyond

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a heartfelt statement following the news, stating that Collins' impact extended far beyond basketball. Silver noted that Jason helped make the NBA, WNBA, and the larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming. Former coaches and teammates echoed these sentiments. Doc Rivers, who coached him in Boston, once called him one of the best guys he ever had in a locker room. From the Human Rights Campaign to GLAAD, the LGBTQ+ community has hailed him as a giant who bravely stepped forward when others could not, forever shattering a glass ceiling in the world of men's athletics.

Legacy at Stanford University

Collins' roots in excellence began at Stanford University, where he remains a legend. He was a Stanford Hall of Famer and still holds the school record for career field goal percentage (.608). Alongside his brother Jarron, he led the Cardinal to significant success, including an Elite Eight appearance. The Stanford athletic department released a statement mourning the loss of one of the program's greats, remembering him not just for his skill on the court, but for being a bright and thoughtful person who aimed to leave the world a better place.

Continuing the Fight for Inclusion

While the loss of Jason Collins is a somber moment, his death has reignited conversations about the importance of mental health, medical research for glioblastoma, and the ongoing need for inclusivity in sports. Advocates emphasize that while Collins was the first, his courage was meant to ensure he wouldn't be the last. His life's work as an ambassador served as a blueprint for how professional leagues can support their athletes in living authentically. The Jason Collins Foundation and various charities he supported are expected to see a surge in contributions as fans and allies look for ways to honor his memory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who was Jason Collins?

Jason Collins was a professional basketball player who played 13 seasons in the NBA. In 2013, he became the first active male athlete in the four major North American professional sports leagues to publicly come out as gay.

What was Jason Collins' cause of death?

Jason Collins died of stage 4 glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer that he had been battling for approximately eight months.

Which teams did Jason Collins play for during his NBA career?

Collins played for several teams, most notably the New Jersey Nets (where he reached two NBA Finals). He also played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets.

Was Jason Collins married?

Yes, Jason Collins was married to film producer Brunson Green. They were married in May 2025.

What is Jason Collins' legacy in professional sports?

Jason Collins is remembered as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion. By coming out while still an active player, he broke a major barrier in professional sports and spent his post-playing career as an ambassador for equality and diversity.

Conclusion

Jason Collins was far more than a basketball player; he was a beacon of hope and a catalyst for social change. His death at the young age of 47 is a profound loss for the sports community and the countless individuals he inspired to live their truths. Through his 13 years in the NBA, his historic coming-out story, and his tireless advocacy work, he demonstrated that strength is measured not just by physical dominance on a court, but by the courage to be authentic in the face of adversity. Jason Collins will be remembered as a pioneer, a leader, and a man whose kindness and humanity touched lives around the globe.

Jason Collins, First Active N.B.A. Player to Come Out as Gay, Dies at 47

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